Chapter Twenty-Three: Side Quest
"Yagami, do you think there's anything I need to improve?" After hearing Yagami's thorough analysis of Uozumi, Ikegami couldn't help asking.
"Ikegami-senpai's foundation is also defense," Yagami affirmed. "Against catch-and-shoot players with weak ball-handling, you can become their nightmare."
"Nightmare? That does sound pretty cool." Ikegami stroked his chin.
"Coach Taoka's demands and expectations for you center on exactly this. The massive conditioning work and defensive footwork drills are designed to sharpen that weapon to perfection," Yagami added.
In truth, if Ikegami could develop some offensive capability—especially stabilizing his open shots—he could become an excellent offensive facilitator. But Yagami knew proposing this now was premature. Progress required taking solid steps one at a time.
"What about me? What about me?" Yagami's analysis sparked the other players' interest. Koshino and others seized this opportunity to ask.
Everyone had their own thoughts, but perhaps not as clearly articulated as Yagami's observations. Hearing his analysis provided useful reference and comparison.
"Koshino-senpai's mid-range shooting is quite consistent. To maximize this advantage, you should focus on more complex off-ball movement patterns, creating more catch-and-shoot opportunities during games..."
"Uekusa-senpai makes very few turnovers as the ball-handler, but lacks offensive capability himself. You need at least one reliable scoring method so opponents won't just focus entirely on your passing."
Yagami's words struck directly at Uekusa's pain point. In recent games, his playing time had steadily decreased.
At only five-seven, Uekusa faced obvious defensive disadvantages, while offering little offensive threat. During Ryonan possessions, opponents often strategically ignored him to double-team Sendoh or other scoring options, disrupting the team's offense.
"I'll consider it."
Uekusa harbored no resentment toward Yagami gradually replacing him. He fully agreed with Yagami's assessment and resolved to make changes.
The players' discussion grew increasingly active. Coach Taoka watched this group's growth with indescribable satisfaction.
"That kid has the presence of a general," even Uozumi Ushio couldn't help remarking.
Coach Taoka's lips curved upward. He sensed that after this exchange, Yagami had truly become an indispensable member of Ryonan.
"Sorato, tell me about my issues too," Sendoh said with a smile, tone carrying obvious anticipation and a hint of playfulness.
"None." Yagami didn't even look up, answering decisively.
"Huh?" Sendoh blinked, seemingly surprised by the answer yet slightly unsatisfied.
"Sendoh-senpai is too amazing!" Aida's hype-man skills were first-rate.
"I'm not actually that perfect, am I?" Being praised so bluntly made Sendoh somewhat embarrassed.
"Of course, if Sendoh-senpai could just not be late on game days and warm up properly, that'd be ideal," Yagami said airily.
Sendoh: "..."
"Ha ha ha ha..."
The players burst out laughing, with Uozumi laughing loudest of all.
As conversation continued, the topic somehow shifted to the team's roster. A second-year player sighed, "Honestly though, if our power forward position had stronger offensive capability, we'd be even more complete..."
The moment he spoke, the table fell somewhat silent. Several veteran players' expressions turned subtly awkward.
In another room, Coach Taoka's brow furrowed as if remembering something.
Sugahira Junji realized his mistake and quietly apologized.
"It's fine. If that guy came back, Ryonan's offense really could reach another level," Ikegami said. "But I absolutely won't give up my starting power forward spot easily."
"That guy?" Aida's intelligence-gathering instincts activated.
"Fukuda." Sendoh sighed lightly, using a rarely serious tone. "He's a power forward with extremely diverse scoring methods and first-class offensive instincts. He just left the team due to certain circumstances."
Yagami's eyes lit up. He'd nearly forgotten about this guy.
Fukuda Kicchou—Ryonan's second-year with elite cutting and finishing ability around the rim, though his defense was abysmal. He and Ikegami basically represented opposite extremes at power forward.
Coach Taoka had keenly identified Fukuda as raw talent, making his training particularly harsh. He'd often chew him out mercilessly over defensive issues.
But unlike Sendoh, Fukuda's personality was peculiar and sensitive, his pride extremely strong. During a first-year game, he'd completely exploded and nearly struck Coach Taoka, resulting in his expulsion from the team.
However, his love for basketball was unquestionable. Even barred from club play, he'd continued practicing at various street courts near Ryonan.
"Go bring Fukuda back." Coach Taoka appeared at the long table without anyone noticing.
"But..." Uozumi stood up. Fukuda raising his hand against the coach was considered zero-tolerance by the school administration, with most Ryonan players sharing that attitude.
"I'll explain the situation to the school," Coach Taoka said. "This matter was partly my fault too. I initially misjudged his personality. Teaching players according to their aptitude is a coach's responsibility."
"Coach!" Uozumi and the other players didn't know how to respond.
"Understood." Sendoh agreed immediately. "Leave this to Sorato."
"Hm?" Yagami turned his head. "Me?"
"I don't have time—I need to go fishing!" Sendoh declared righteously.
"..." Coach Taoka covered his face. "I misjudged your personality too. You're the one who needed strict management from the start."
After eating and drinking their fill, players said their goodbyes and departed one by one.
Yagami found himself with an additional side quest—heading to street basketball courts near Ryonan to find Fukuda Kicchou.
Before departing, Yagami attempted one final struggle. "Sendoh-senpai, I've never even seen him in person. How am I supposed to find him?"
"No problem, he's very distinctive," Sendoh smiled easily. "Same height as you, dead fish eyes, offensive style is straight drives to the basket."
"Got it, got it." Yagami waved helplessly. Looked like there was no escaping this.
Fortunately, Aida was particularly enthusiastic about this type of mission. With him chattering alongside during the journey, it probably wouldn't be too boring.
patreon.com/Twilightsky588 - 40 advanced chapters